acha zaballa arquitectos: more house, cantabria

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acha zaballa arquitectos: more house, cantabria

Jan 18, 2013

first image
'more house' by acha zaballa arquitectos, cantabria, spain
image © jose cutillas
all images courtesy of acha zaballa arquitectos

the 'more house' by spanish firm acha zaballa arquitectos is located in a developing low-density residential area known as montealegre in the
outskirts of castro-urdiales. the primary strategy in the design was to optimize efficiency in space as much in the exterior landscaping as in the
interior organization of program. much of the site is excavated, defined by an irregular angular retaining wall. apart from creating a protected
exterior garden out of the site of neighbors, it also allows the masonry structured house to take on a vertical aspect as the basement level can receive
natural light and fresh air. following the form of three wood-clad stacked boxes, the alternating nature of the dwelling creates resultant spaces
that support extra activities. overhangs provide shade and cover in certain outdoor areas whereas the upper side of the volume now creates a
south-facing terrace. each mass contains two equally sized windows that offer views in differing directions. a central staircase runs like a spine
through all the levels as the program develops on either side of it, lending to maximum efficiency in circulation.

approach
image © jose cutillas

image © jose cutillas

view from the street
image © jose cutillas

exterior stairs lead down to the embedded section
image © jose cutillas

entrance
image © jose cutillas

entry floor
image © jose cutillas

polished concrete floors and white walls reflect light
image © jose cutillas

second level
image © jose cutillas

image © jose cutillas

central stairs
image © jose cutillas

site plan

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

floor plan / level -1

section

landscape retaining wall

project info:

site area: 505 m2
built area: 176.59 m2
cost: 235,000 EUR, excluding VAT
construction: construcciones iturriaga

danny db

01.18.13

this really is a lovely piece of work

dbkii says:

Jan 18, 2013

Reply

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